Occupational Therapist

Medicine, Healthcare & Social Services

ANZSCO ID 2524

Summary

Occupational Therapists assess functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, and provide therapy to enable people to perform their daily activities and occupations.

Employment Pathway

A bachelor degree in occupational therapy is needed to work as an Occupational Therapist. Some workers have a postgraduate qualification.

Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is required.

Top Skills Required

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Key tasks

Assessing clients' emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities using clinical observations and standardised tests
Assessing clients' functional potential in their home, leisure, work and school environments, and recommending environmental adaptations to maximise their performance
Planning and directing programs through the use of vocational, recreational, remedial, social and educational activities on an individual and group basis
Providing advice to family members, carers, employers and teachers about adapting clients' home, leisure, work and school environments
Providing adaptive equipment, such as wheel chairs and splints, to assist clients to overcome their functional limitations
Working with other Health Professionals in overall case management of clients
Working with other professionals in providing specialist advice to specific client groups such as those requiring driver rehabilitation, third-party compensation and medico-legal representation
Recording clients' progress and maintaining professional relationships in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and ethical guidelines

Facts about this occupation

7.4% Growth

60% Full-time Share

$1,749 Avg Pay/Wk

24,000 Workers

34 years Avg Age

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